Oxford United are set to travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, seeking to capitalise on their impressive record at Hillsborough. According to OUFC, the team have lost just one of their last six visits to Wednesday’s iconic stadium, with their last visit in December 2022 ending in a goalless draw and a 2-1 win in October 2021.
The OUFC reports that Oxford United have some injury concerns ahead of the game, with Ciaron Brown and Hidde ter Avest joining Elliott Moore and Greg Leigh on the sidelines. However, the team has defensive options available, with Joe Bennett deputising for Brown and Sam Long and Peter Kioso ready to step in if ter Avest is ruled out.
As quoted by OUFC, United head coach Gary Rowett said: “Sheffield Wednesday are quite a flexible team, play in different formations and different ways within that formation. It’s another opportunity, we’re in a good position. We’ve got to make sure we go and attack these games and don’t have regrets.”
Rowett also emphasised the importance of competing at a high level and having a “little bit extra desperation” in the game, stating: “We have to make sure first and foremost that we go and compete in the way that we know we can, and there has to be that little bit extra desperation on the game. I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but these games become cup finals for everyone down the bottom of the league and you can’t make too many mistakes in them.”
Meanwhile, OUFC reports that Sheffield Wednesday have not won at home since beating Derby County on New Year’s Day. In their last game, they drew 2-2 at Blackburn Rovers, having been 2-0 up. Barry Bannan missed out at Ewood Park with a niggly injury but could be back for this weekend’s game, while Josh Windass, son of former United player Dean, could also be recalled having come off the bench on Tuesday.
In terms of logistics, OUFC reports that ticket sales have now ended for this game, with none available on the day. Supporters travelling on the LRC coaches are reminded that with Parking Eye in operation, they are no longer able to park in the Kassam Stadium car park for away matches. Free parking bays are available along the length of Grenoble Road, but supporters are advised to leave sufficient time to park and walk back to the bus stop.
The Oxford United team will be looking to take advantage of Sheffield Wednesday’s inconsistent home form, with Rowett stating: “You can look at Sheffield Wednesday and their home form’s not been great, so somebody’s going to get a result that perhaps hasn’t been their norm, so it has to be us. We have to go there and make sure we’ve got the right game plan.”
As the teams prepare to face off on Saturday, Oxford United will be looking to make a statement and secure a positive result against Sheffield Wednesday. With a decent record at Hillsborough and a well-prepared team, they will be hoping to make an impact and bring back a win.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Oxford United is set to kick off at 3:00pm on Saturday. OUFC will provide further updates and match analysis in the coming days.
Source: https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/preview-sheffield-wednesday-vs-oxford-united
